Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in the Compton Unified School District (CUSD), has been named as an Apple Distinguished School for 2018–2021-a three-year designation for continuous innovation in learning, teaching, and the school environment.

“This is truly a moment to celebrate and to recognize the commitment of the staff, students, and of course our partners at AppleEd, to harnessing the power of technology in ways that have real impact in the educational outcomes of students,” said CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching, and the school environment and have documented results of academic accomplishment.

Principal Sal Aquino also shared the importance of the entire school community coming together to make the school a place where students thrive. “When a group of thoughtful and committed educators, parents, and students are able to come together, we are able to create an environment where students are able to innovate, explore, engage, and discover,” he said.

One of only 400 schools around the world to received the designation, Jefferson held a celebration on campus attended by Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley, representatives from Apple, and the CUSD Board of Trustees.

“This is truly a fine accomplishment and an example of the value of collaborating with cutting edge technology partners. It is astounding to see how the students and teachers have fully embraced technology as a tool for learning,” said Charles Davis, CUSD Board Clerk, who was present at the festivities.

“The selection of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School as an Apple Distinguished School is a testament to its innovative and compelling learning environment and to the value of placing student achievement at the center of all we do, including how we engage technology partners in advancing the mission of the district,” said President Micah Ali.

Jefferson’s focus on building a strong and achieving school community is generating strong results. The school has exceeded all targets academically in English Language Arts and mathematics. Through innovation and integration, the school has engaged all students with a strong increase in attendance and reduction of chronic absenteeism.